No more half measures: Indonesia urged to legislate AI regulation
Tech leader warns that without full legal backing, Indonesia risks falling behind and facing AI-driven threats
JAKARTA, Indonesia (MNTV) — A leading Indonesian tech expert has called on the government to move beyond stopgap measures and establish full-scale legislation to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).
Heru Sutadi, Executive Director of the ICT Institute, warned that current government responses — including non-binding circular letters — are legally toothless and risk leaving the country vulnerable to AI misuse.
“AI needs real laws, not just weak directives,” Sutadi told local media, urging authorities to develop a comprehensive and legally sound framework that addresses the opportunities and risks of emerging AI technologies.
Indonesia has seen an initial push toward AI governance. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Communication and Digital issued a circular letter outlining preliminary guidance on AI use.
Minister Meutya Hafid hailed it as a regional first for Southeast Asia. But experts like Sutadi say that such measures fall far short of what’s needed. “A circular letter is not even recognised by our legal system,” he noted, likening it to a neighbourhood association memo with no binding power.
Sutadi stressed that Indonesia must follow in the footsteps of countries that have passed formal laws to regulate AI. He also underscored the importance of broad consultation in drafting any regulation — involving legal experts, technologists, businesses, and civil society to ensure the rules are both enforceable and socially relevant.
“AI is evolving fast. If we delay, we risk being left behind and face the danger of increasingly sophisticated AI-driven crimes,” he warned.
The debate reflects growing concern in Indonesia about how to manage the powerful technologies shaping the global digital economy.
With AI already transforming sectors from education to security, policymakers face pressure to ensure both innovation and public safety.
As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Indonesia’s approach to AI regulation could set a precedent for neighbouring countries — if it moves beyond paper-thin policies and acts with legal authority.
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